Get Checked during Prostate Health Month

Get Checked!

According to the CDC, Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them.

Men have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer if they are 50 years old or older, are African-American, or have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer. African-American men with prostate cancer are more likely to die from the disease than white men with prostate cancer.

Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms.

Two tests are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer—

•Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or certified physician assistant inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to estimate the size of the prostate and feel for lumps or other abnormalities.

•Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.